Top 14 Reasons to Live in Corpus Christi, TX

The beaches! It's hot in this part of the country, so it's no surprise that people seek relief anywhere they can find it. Often, that's hitting the beach. North Beach is just across the Harbor Bridge and has some great sand, while McGee Beach is a local favorite.

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Padre Island National Seashore! Try your hand at windsurfing or sample the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Surfing and fishing are among the many recreational opportunities. It's a National Seashore and, as such, has an entrance fee, but it's worth it. Take a look at Mustang Island as well.

Reasonable housing! The area was hit hard by the real estate downturn. The average listing price in January 2014 was $233,322, which was a decrease of 1.5 percent from the year before. The Northwest neighborhoods were among the few in town with a listing price increase, rising by six percent. Rent to own homes are a great option.

Affordable beach living! With a median home price of under $300,000, the Gulfwind area allows living near the water at a less expensive level than many. North Beach is even more affordable.

Plentiful apartments! For around $600 a month, you can find a nice one-bedroom apartment with amenities. The vacancy rate of just over seven percent means there are a lot of choices. Areas around Yorktown Blvd and Tierra Grande are among the most expensive.

History on display! The USS Lexington served this country for over four decades. You can tour the retired aircraft carrier to get a glimpse of Navy life. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and Industry is also great.

Sea life and horses! Take the whole family to the Texas State Aquarium for a fun and informative day spent petting rays and watching dolphins. Tired of walking? Check out the beaches from horseback through an outfitter like Horses on the Beach.

Midsize but convenient! Just about 300,000 people call Corpus Christi home, meaning the city has a lot of options that small towns don't. When more city life is desired, San Antonio is only about two hours away, and Houston is about three hours away. Rent to own houses are more common and affordable than in the bigger cities.

The "wild" life! While close to the famous party spots on South Padre Island, the region around Corpus Christi is well-known for its wildlife as well. Check out the nearby Port Aransas Birding Center, and take the boardwalk over the water to get close to the birds. Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge is great too.

Great Mexican food, and more! Being so close to the border, one might expect authentic Mexican fare. What might surprise you is the excellent German pastries at JB's German Bakery & Cafe on South Padre Island Drive or the delectable dishes at Bellino's on South Alameda.

Variety of neighborhoods! Rent to own options for everything from condos to houses on big lots and homes near the water can be found in the greater Corpus Christi area. Just over 108,000 total housing units make up the market, with almost 40,000 of them being rentals. From affordable to upscale, the city has it all.

Surf! The Gulf isn't known for monster waves, but when there are swells, hang ten at JP Luby Surf Park. When you are out of the water, check out the Texas Surf Museum.

Splash and paddle! Hurricane Alley Waterpark has the biggest water slide in South Texas! For a more laid back time on the water, try kayaking at Bird Island Basin.

Have some good ol' fun! Whataburger Field is home to the minor league Corpus Christi Hooks, which represents baseball at its most fundamental. Go fishing on the long and scenic Bob Hall Pier for a true Texas Gulf Coast experience.